Mercedes opens ordering for new C-Class PHEV

German carmaker Mercedes-Benz opened on Tuesday ordering for the plug-in version of its new C-Class, the C300e sedan, and estate. The latter offers a fully electric autonomy of more than 110 km (WLTP).

Prices, VAT of 19% included in Germany, start at €56 168 and €57 953 respectively. But Germans can get a €5 625 environmental bonus to gild the pill for a limited period until 31 December 2021.

Buyers of new plug-in hybrids with a list price above €40 000 and below €65 000 get a federal innovation premium of €3 750, with the manufacturers’ share of €1 875 deducted directly on the invoice.

230 kW output

The Mercedes C300e has a 1 999 cc, 150 kW/204 hp turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine, and a 95 kW/129 hp electric motor. That’s a combined system output of 230 kW/313 hp and 550 Nm of torque. A diesel version is in the pipeline to be offered soon.

Combined fuel consumption (WLTP) is between 0,8 and 0,6 liter/100 km for both the sedan and the estate. CO2 emissions are 17-13 g/km for the four doors version, 19-14 g/km for the five doors. The latter makes them eligible in Belgium without any problems, for a 100% tax deduction, valid for company cars until 2023.

Electric range up to 111 km

The battery capacity is up from 13,5kWh in the old model to a far more usable 25,4kWh. Electric energy consumption is rated at 23,3-20,8 kWh per 100 km (WLTP), giving the sedan a fully electric range of 99 to 111 km and the estate 95 to 107 km. That’s by far one of the best ranges for PHEVs on the market today.

According to the Mercedes press release, the intelligent, route-based operating strategy activates the electric driving mode where this is most appropriate for the route. “It takes into account such factors as navigation data, topography, speed limits, and the traffic conditions for the entire planned route.”

Charging in 30 minutes

With paddles on the steering wheel, the driver can set the amount of regenerative braking, except when in Sports mode, which allows one-pedal driving without a foot on the brake pedal, to an almost complete standstill.

Charging can be done at 11 kW from a regular AC charger or 55 kW from a rapid DC charger. The latter should allow a complete recharge of up to 100% in only 30 minutes.